3D doodling pen lets you draw objects in the air from molten plastic

Every now and again an invention comes along that knocks our socks off - and this is one of them.

A team of developers have created a 3D pen that lets you doodle solid drawings and objects into the air from plastic that melts and cools.

The LIX 3D pen opens up a host of creative potential with its ability to write and draw without paper.

The device works in a similar way to 3D printers, in that it melts and cools coloured plastic to allow users to create rigid and freestanding structures. The pen has a hot-end nozzle with power supplied from a USB port.

3D pens have existed before but this is the first time such a light-weight model has emerged and its smaller size makes it ideal for doodling.

The aluminium pen, which comes in black matte and grey matte, will go on sale from this September from £85 ($139.95).

It can be used for a whole different range of projects, from creating interior decor pieces to customising jewellery and clothes.

"LIX has a great potential," says the brand's co-founder Delphine Wood. "It can be a perfect tool for stylists, architects, designers and anybody who's interested in 3D printing."

See below for an example of how the pen works (jump to 1.55'' for the demonstration).